Transitioning to the Middle School

There is no longer a need for room mothers at the middle school. Students may have up to nine different teachers in the school day. Not to mention that some middle school students don’t want to be seen with their parents at school. Unfortunately, some parents disconnect with their child’s school life. However, students need their parent even more at the middle school. The parenting approach needs to change with the growing child.

Ways for Parents to Stay Connected

Volunteer at the school. Middle schools usually don’t have holiday parties, but they do need chaperones for dances and field trips. In addition, the staff needs help with fundraisers and tutoring.

Check the school website for homework assignments. A student may have up to nine teachers now, so it will be a little more time consuming than in the past.

If a child has academic difficulties, contact the teacher via email. Teachers can have up to 160 students in a day. Email is a quick way to communicate. Missing homework assignments can sometimes be sent as an attachment in an email.

Changes for the Students

“The biggest change for me at the middle school was my schedule. I had to be responsible to get to my classes on time. Before, the teacher took us to our different classes, like music or art. Now, you have to go to your locker, get your books and be on time without someone helping you,” said Stephanie, age 12 and now an expert middle school student. [Stephanie was interviewed in person about her 6th grade expereince, July 22, 2008]

Middle school means change. Almost everything that was normal in the past will change during his time. Most students will go from having one main teacher to having at least four main teachers. This does not include the physical education, music, band, art, life skills, computer skills, or foreign language teachers.

In elementary school, most students had a small locker within the classroom. Now, the locker is in a busy hallway. Plus, many students also struggle with locks on the lockers.

The cafeteria can have upwards of 400 students eating at one time. There tends to be more choices of food at the middle school, but it can be louder and harder to find friends to sit with during lunch.

The amount of homework may increase dramatically. Teachers treat middle school students like young adults and expect them to be responsible. Students need to get organized and use a planner or agenda book to keep homework assignments and deadlines organized.

One great new addition is extra curricular activities. Students can now participate in school-sponsored clubs, sports, academic competitions, band, choir, etc.

Changes that come at the middle school can be scary. However, there will be caring teachers and administrators to help. The most important thing is to be prepared and be responsible.

Other relevant middle school articles: Middle/high School Suite 101

Preparing for Middle School

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